The flowers grown from bulbs are called freesias.Most people grow freesias for the purpose of cutting them for display in flower arrangements.Freesias can be grown in the ground or in a pot, and will bloom about 12 weeks after planting.Freesias will stay in flower for months on end once they open their blooms.
Step 1: Find out when you can plant your freesias.
Freesias grow from bulbs that are planted at a certain time of year.When to plant your freesias depends on where you live.Determine when to plant freesias in your region with a growing zone finder.In growing zones 9 and 10, freesias are hardy and will survive the winter.If you live in one of the zones, you should plant your freesia bulbs early in the fall to give them time to grow.The freesias will die over the winter if you plant them in the fall.After the last chance of frost has passed, it's best to wait until spring.The fragile buds should be grown that way.
Step 2: Large and firm bulbs are recommended.
Freesia bulbs look similar to green onions.Purchase them from a nursery the same day or a few days before you plan to put them in the ground.If you live in a cooler area, wait until spring to buy your freesia bulbs.Purchase bulbs that have been prepared and are ready to grow.Talk to your local flower store or nursery to find the right bulbs.
Step 3: The planting bed needs to be prepared.
There is a spot that gets full sun.If they're planted in the shade, they won't bloom.They need full sun to thrive.For at least eight hours every day, choose a planting spot that gets full sun.It's not usually necessary to amend the soil to change its pH.Freesias need soil that can drain well.If the water sits around the bulbs and roots it will cause them to rot.When you pick out a spot, make sure to dig a hole and fill it with water.Adding material to the soil will help the hole drain better if the water is in it.If you choose a planting spot that doesn't drain well, you can raise the soil by three inches by working in compost, peat, or other organic matter.
Step 4: The bulbs can be planted.
One to two inches deep and three to four inches apart.The freesia bulbs should be placed in the holes with pointed ends.Water the planting bed thoroughly after covering the bulbs with soil.The sprout will come in two to three weeks.
Step 5: Pot planting is something to consider.
If you want to plant freesias in a pot, you should fill it with a standard potting mix.The bulbs should be planted two inches apart and deep.Once the plants begin to grow, keep the container indoors and move it into full sun.
Step 6: The sprouts should be fertilized.
You can help the first sprout get off to a good start by feeding them comfrey pellets.Press the pellets into the soil by placing them near the base of the sprout.If the soil where you live isn't very rich, this step can be helpful.
Step 7: When the plants begin to grow tall, stake them.
Freesias need support when they reach a height of six to eight inches.Lean the freesias against the stakes next to each plant.From time to time, check the stakes to make sure they're providing enough support.If you have a large bed of freesias, you can support them by suspending a plastic mesh above the ground.Attach the mesh at the corners with stakes.Plants will grow up the mesh.
Step 8: During the growing season, water the freesias.
The soil of the freesias will dry out quickly since they are planted in full sun.Don't let it get wet throughout the growing season.The freesias will bloom after 120 days.When the blooms begin to fade, you can stop watering until they die and fall off.The planting bed has time to dry out before nightfall because water freesias in the morning.Water sitting around the plants all night could cause mold to grow.Water around the base of freesias so that they don't get cooked in the sun.
Step 9: Wait until the foliage is yellow to remove it.
Let the leaves grow once the flowers are gone.Don't remove them until they're yellow.They provide energy to the plant until they die.Your freesias will benefit from the stored energy.Lift the freesias by cutting back the leaves and stems one inch above the ground after the first frost.If you live in a hot growing region and the freesia's leaves never yellow and die, this step isn't necessary.
Step 10: Let the bulbs rest or dry them.
If you don't live in growing zones 9 or 10, you'll need to dig up the bulbs and replant them in the spring.The bulbs will not survive the winter if you don't protect them.Place the bulbs in a dry place for the winter and then plant them after the last frost has gone.In the warmer climates of growing zones 9 and 10, you can leave the bulbs in the ground.They will come up again in the spring after surviving the winter.
Step 11: At the height of their bloom, cut freesias.
If you want to bring some inside to enjoy, there's no harm done because Freesia plants will continue to thrive after cutting.A few inches of the stem can be left intact if you make a diagonal cut with a pair of shears or a knife.Don't use scissors to cut freesias since they pinch the stem instead of making a clean cut.The cut freesias will last a long time if there is a clean cut.Potted freesias may be cut.Since freesias will die without adequate sunlight, don't bring the entire pot inside.
Step 12: Provide clean water.
Freesias can live up to three weeks indoors if you feed them food.Take a packet of flower food from the nursery and fill a vase with clean water.If you want to provide food for the flowers, you can add sugar syrup.You should add more food when you change the water.
Step 13: The vase should be kept free ofbacteria.
Another way to make sure your flowers last a long time is to use a clean vase.The flowers can rot quickly if a small amount ofbacteria is present.Adding a small amount of bleach to the water when you change it will make it look better.When you don't use bleach, the flowers will be dead.